Hello, I am new to this forum and have learned a lot of new things as I read at night. I am 17 years old, I'm starting a streetwear brand here in the Bay Area. I have my logo done and my first design done. I should print my first shirts in about 2 weeks. I would like to know what legal stuff is needed like trademarks, RN number, reselling license etc and if I will have to wait till I'm 18 to do that. If anyone can help me get started with info on that it would be great! Thank you
Starting clothing line
[CLOTHING LINE]
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Generally speaking, you need to be 18 to enter into any contract. So it's possible you may need to wait or get the help of your parents to start out. But you should try contacting a local accountant and get some specific info about your jurisdiction. You can research on your own by Googling "starting a business in california." You will find tons of great resources with checklists of what you need to launch your business. You should expect to have to register your business with your state, apply for a tax id number and get a resellers license. An RN number isn't mandatory, but they are free and easy to get. So it may be worth it, especially if you intend to re-label your shirts. Trademarks aren't mandatory either. So I would suggest spending your money on production and marketing. Then when you have some extra cash, you can apply for a trademark.
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No, you don't need to be 18 to enter into a legal contract. I just completed a business law course in college, and they were pretty clear about it, its a common misconception. However, anyone under 18 can back out of their contract for any reason they want, which is why most places will not allow someone under 18 to sign a contract, or unless their legal guardian signs it also. If they did back out of a contract, they (usually, but its based on the states law) have to either return the goods new/undamaged or pay the full price if its a contract for goods (or an amount equiv. to what was used). There are many under 18 entrepreneurs out there so don't let that dissuade you.
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